e425
FILED BY EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.
PURSUANT TO RULE 425 UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
AND DEEMED FILED PURSUANT TO RULE 14a-12
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
SUBJECT COMPANY: EXPRESS SCRIPTS, INC.,
MEDCO HEALTH SOLUTIONS, INC. AND ARISTOTLE HOLDING, INC.
COMMISSION FILE NO. 0-20199
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Thomson StreetEventsSM
ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference
Event Date/Time: Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM GMT
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by
framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the
Thomson Reuters logo are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated companies.
|
|
|
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
CORPORATE PARTICIPANTS
Ricky Goldwasser
Morgan Stanley Analyst
Jeff hall
Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
David Myers
Express Scripts Inc. VP IR
PRESENTATION
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Good afternoon everybody. Thank you for joining us for the Express Scripts presentation. Joining me
from Express today are Jeff Hall, CFO, and David Myers, Head of IR. Jeff, David, welcome to the
Morgan Stanley conference.
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Thank you.
Unidentified Participant
Before we start I think David needs to make some disclosure comments.
David Myers - Express Scripts Inc. VP IR
Yes, thanks Ricky. Good morning everyone. Before we begin, I need to say that statements we make
today may be forward-looking, therefore involve risks and uncertainties. For a listing of factors
that could cause actual results to differ, you can check out our SEC filings. So thanks.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
For the Morgan Stanley disclosures, you can go to the Morgan Stanley website. (inaudible) theres a
lot going on with Express these days. So can you start by just giving us a status update on the
dispute with Walgreens?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
I think not a lot of comments from us. We continue to think that we continue to be available to get
to a resolution here. We continue to think that the best way to get to a resolution is for the two
parties to talk. I would say, unfortunately, at this point, the other side thinks the best way to
resolution is to make press releases and other public statements. We think that doesnt add a lot
of value to the ongoing negotiation. We think the best thing that could happen here is the two us to
get together and talk about it and get to a resolution.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Similar to your view, many industry participants weve spoken with still expect a settlement. So is
there a cut-off date after which point a settlement this year becomes harder?
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo are
registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
1
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Theres no real cut off from an Express Scripts standpoint. Obviously, wed like to get to an
agreement here as quickly as possible. Thats not the case. There are different items that happened
over the course of this year but probably most notably January 1 we think a large portion of
Express Scripts members will no longer be able to fill at Walgreens, and we think that, once we
get past that date, those numbers have moved, in general they dont move back. So we think it would
make sense for both parties to get it resolved this year, but theres no reason why we cant
resolve it next year as well.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Express filed an injunction against Walgreens last week with specific focus on Part D members. Can
you give us a little bit more color about the importance of that population to the relationship and
why you filed the injunction?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
We filed the injunction because we felt that the other side was making false statements publicly,
that the data they were putting out there was incorrect and that they were actually marketing
directly to Part D members, which we think is not the right thing to do. So thats the rationale
behind the injunction, trying to get them to cease and desist with what we think is inaccurate
information and inappropriate contact with Med D members.
The Med D population as a whole is obviously an important membership base to us. We think that we
dont serve it directly; we serve it through our managed-care clients. And so as we think about our
managed-care clients, they obviously would like to get this resolved so that we can all move
forward with Med D open enrollment.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Obviously the [rolling] dispute is deemphasized kind of (inaudible) the whole topic of (inaudible)
networks. Based on your discussions with your customers, do you think that (inaudible) members are
ready for the world of [mirror network], and what percent of the PBM business today is under such
agreements?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, so today there arent a lot of narrow networks. I dont know the exact percentage, but its a
pretty small percentage of our business is contracted in narrow networks. I think the interesting
side conversations that this has created is that now we as a result of Walgreens terminating us
publicly, the result is that basically we are in discussions now with every one of our clients
about narrow networks. A lot of them see the value, because were able to give them lower pricing
if theyre agreeing to go with a narrow network. Theyre seeing the value of that and a lot of them
are now signing up to go (inaudible) with a narrow network because were able to show that this
service absolutely will not be disrupted, that the price goes down, and that, on average, the
clients the members dont have to go very far to get to another pharmacy. Even in Manhattan, a
competing pharmacy is within 100 feet of a Walgreens or a Duane Reade. So its not much of
transition. At the end of the day, the pills that are going in the bottle are the same pills at
everybody, so theres not a lot of differentiation.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Let me stop here and see if we have any questions from the audience.
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo are
registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
2
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Unidentified Audience Member
If you move forward and have a limited network or narrow network, is there a risk that this sort of
validates the CVS Caremark model, and that they have maybe more flexibility in profit on both sides
to make that a more compelling sort of opportunity for a payor?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
I dont think it necessarily validates CVS. I think the interesting side note is to the extent
Walgreens loses business as a result of us going to narrow networks, CVS is obviously a potential a
gainer here, as well as the independents and all the other competitors to Walgreens. We think its
an interesting strategy from that standpoint.
I think weve all been proponents of narrow networks. All the PBMs have certainly been proponents
of narrow networks, and CVS is no different. We look at maintenance choice is essentially another
version of a narrow network. So I think weve all been positive on this. What this is doing is
allowing us to have this discussion with a lot more clients and theyre starting to really see the
value now where a lot of times we havent had that discussion in the past.
Unidentified Audience Member
It seems like the economy kind of is impacting script volumes. What is your sense how its going in
the current quarter? Also youre planning to give 2012 guidance in 3Q earnings.
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, so the economy actually has a big impact on us. The primary place we see the negative economy
hitting us is what we call utilization and in client attrition. So on those two factors, as we look
forward from the first half into the second half, our expectation is that wed see some utilization
increase and wed see declines in in-client utilization. That hasnt been the case so far in the
second half, so certainly theres the poor economy continues to be a headwind for us looking
into the second half.
We still view the way I look at utilization is, in a good year, sorry, in an average year, we
would expect the number of scripts to grow by 3% to 5%. As a result of people getting older and
less fit and less healthy, theyd take more prescriptions. What weve seen for the past three years
is that number has been relatively flat. So what that means is theres a lot of people that stopped
taking their medication, which doesnt make a lot of sense. So at some point, thats got to catch
up. We dont know when thats going to be. At a minimum, utilization has got to come back to the 3%
to 5%. If we look at three years of flat, theres probably even some catch-up potential in that
number. We dont we absolutely do not see that happening today. I think the economy has actually
gotten worse since the June-July time frame, the last time we talked. We dont see the economy
getting any better. So certainly a headwind for us looking forward.
As for 2012, were not prepared to guide into 2012. I think what you have to think about is the
economy stays at this place and volume growth is going to continue, utilization is going to
continue to be lower than previously expected.
Unidentified Audience Member
Whats [the] business risk assumptions for the Walgreens dispute from your perspective? If it
doesnt get resolved, how your customers react to that? What is your assumption where that business
goes? Like are your customers are going to be upset that you dont have them its obviously a
negative for your customers. So what is your assumption (technical difficulty) business?
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
|
|
|
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Thomson
Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited without the prior written
consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo are registered
trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated companies. |
|
|
3
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
So what we think overall about the Walgreens arrangement, and whats our risk (inaudible) what are
our customers going to think to repeat a little bit. I mean, our customers would prefer that
a lot of our customers would prefer that Walgreens is in the network, but they also believe that
were doing exactly the right thing and they support us, and they understand that or they
definitely dont want to pay a premium price for Walgreens, so theyre not willing to accept the
kind of premiums that Walgreens is demanding at this point.
When you look at they are already a high cost provider in their network and they are saying that
if we accept the rates they offer, clients are only going to see 2% per year increases. We look at
that as a pretty staggering differential because wed say that, with all the new generics coming
out over the next couple of years, clients, all things equal, ought to see declines in their
overall costs. So youre comparing a 2% increase to potential declines, and then compound that over
three years and you take a high-cost provider to be an extremely high-cost provider. We havent
encountered a client yet that is willing to accept that kind of premium price to have Walgreens in
the network, which is why were seeing clients now start to send letters to their members saying
Walgreens is out on December or January 1, and why were seeing more people sign up for narrow
networks, and etc., etc.
Is there risk for us? Yes. I mean we would expect some small fraction of our business might move
away, especially in Walgreens concentrated areas. We dont think thats a meaningful amount of our
business. We dont think its a meaningful part of our EBITDA at this standpoint. Obviously, that
could change.
But where we sit today, we feel like there actually isnt a whole lot of risk overall. We continue
to work with our clients and show them that we can deliver the service they want and we can make
their members happy and we can do that just as effectively with and without Walgreens.
Unidentified Audience Member
Is there any (Inaudible question microphone inaccessible) contracts?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Any
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible)
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
So the question was are there any contracts that would allow termination because we dont have
Walgreens in the network? None that Im aware of. So we dont write contracts that mandate specific
people be in the network, but we write contracts to say there has to be X percent of people have
travel one mile, two miles, five miles to get to the store. Without Walgreens, we meet every one of
those guarantees, so we dont think theyre (inaudible) decline issue.
Unidentified Audience Member
(Inaudible question microphone inaccessible)
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
4
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare Conference
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, so high-level 2012 update. So the big companies, the jumbo (inaudible) functionally over at
this point. From our standpoint, we had an okay to good year. We had, at last count, three jumbo
accounts that are new wins for us, one of them being we think probably that (inaudible) [FEP]
probably the biggest commercial deal of the year that we won. So were excited about that.
We feel like there hasnt been much impact from any of the things going on in the jumbo season here
from an Express Scripts standpoint.
Probably more importantly, the midmarket and smaller market selling season is going on right now,
and its really too early to comment. But we dont expect a significant impact at this point from
anything thats going on. So we continue to expect to do well in that business, and retention is on
track to be close to the average, in the 90% range at this point.
Unidentified Audience Member
When you unite with Medco, what percent of the PM market will that be?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Im sorry, I didnt what percent of the market will we have (multiple speakers) company? Okay. I
dont want to answer that question. It ends up being a really hard thing to measure because there
are different ways to measure market share. I think a lot of the sell-side, I think Ricky
concluded, has published (inaudible) about what the combined market is, so I think its easier for
them than it is for me. But given the second request and everything else I have going on, I dont
really want to directly answer that question.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Just to [throw out] along the lines of the second request, can you provide us any color around
(inaudible) topics thats the second request is focused on? Also, youve received in the past a
second request from the FTC related to the Caremark, the potential Caremark transaction. How
different is what the FTC is looking for today compared to what they wanted from you four years
ago?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, the second request is probably mostly the same as the one we received from Caremark, so we had
a good expectation of what it was going to look like. As you would expect, its extremely thorough
and covers all the relevant topics and potential relevant topics. We think, at the end of the day,
the primary concern is going to be is this transaction pro-competitive? Is it going to reduce costs
for clients and members? Were actually very confident that we can show that indeed it is going to
reduce costs for both clients and for members. we think theres a lot of evidence that every deal
weve done in the past has done that. Weve got good evidence of how thats going to flow through so
we look forward to making our case on why this is indeed going to lower the overall cost of
healthcare for the US.
I think another interesting point not only is it going to lower the cost for PBM, but when we
think about the more exciting part of putting the programs together of both companies, we think we
really can come up with some unique and very effective ways to improve adherence, to get people on
the right drug, to get people to the right channels. The way I think about that is at the very
highest level is something [for] the example of weve been very effective with behavioral
economics. Medco has been very effective with their therapeutic resource centers. So we look, going
forward, do we have a product that is therapeutic resource centers enabled by behavioral economics?
We think really its a case where we can accelerate improvements in
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
5
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
adherence and help outcomes. So we get pretty excited about those kind of programs as well as
besides just lowering costs from efficiency.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
In terms of time lines, obviously I think that youve talked about it in the past, you have
incentive to get this deal done before the 2012-2013 selling season really picks up. Some of these
things are not in your control. But if really you look at the factors that are kind of
Express-Medco control, what do you think are the (inaudible) in terms of when you will be able to
provide the FTC will with the information they are looking for?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, its hard to handicap how long its going to take. Were talking about a pretty major
undertaking in what the data is. Its going to have to be provided and there are a lot of
narratives over and above that. We would expect and hope to have an open dialogue that could change
it over time. But we certainly think that closing somewhere in the first half of 2012 is certainly
possible and we think probable at this standpoint. Thats what weve been saying from the
beginning. Our position hasnt changed. Theres nothing that weve seen so far that would make us
push that data out any further.
The other thing so two things have to happen. We have to get the FTC approval, we have to get the
shareholder votes done. We think both of those are on timetables to get done in the first half.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Have you seen any change obviously the (inaudible) selling season seems to have actually gone
pretty well for you guys, which was part of kind of like the Express strategy heading into
2011. When you think about the small to mid-sized employers, have you seen any change in competitive
behavior or client approaches as a result of the Medco deal?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
The end result of the Medco deal, we have not seen any changes I think. What we see is that
becoming a more competitive arena. Were seeing our smaller competitors actually doing a better and
better job at competing in that space. Were seeing consultants come down a little bit in that
space. But overall, we think it continues to be kind of the sweet spot for Express Scripts, so
were looking forward to hopefully a good selling season here.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
See if we have any questions at this point.
So shifting gears to the standalone PBM business, can you kind of discuss kind of like your outlook
for the future for the core PBM business, (inaudible) kind of like tried to kind of like move away
from the melodrama, Walgreen and the opportunities around Medco? But you talk about the business
model. It seems that, at these levels, there is some concern around the sustainability of the
model, indeed the potential earnings power in 2012.
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
We absolutely love the PBM business and we continue to be very focused on how we can improve that
business, how we can execute on the business. We think that business has legs to grow at good rates
well out into the future even past the generic
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
6
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
wave. We think theres still a lot of opportunities whether it be from biosimilars or
biogenerics, from increased rebates in formulary and specialty to specialty and medical. Theres
lots of legs and lots of interesting programs going out into the future.
As we look at 11 and 12, as I said earlier, we see some headwinds from continued economic state.
So thats obviously a negative. On the positive side, everybody knows 12 should be a pretty good
generic year. What it really hinges on is when Lipitor, when all the generics are going to be out in
the field, and at what discount theyre going to be available at. So thats a pretty big swing
factor as we get into 2012.
Its hard to talk about 2012 without talking about the Medco transaction. So as we look at it, we
like the standalone business and we think the business is strong, but clearly theres going to be a
lot going on as we integrate Medco. The focus is really going to be on how we really get that
integrated as quickly as possible and get the right programs in place and the right integration in
place so that, in 2013 and beyond, we can hit the $1 billion of synergy targets.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
There is a question. We have a mic over here.
Unidentified Audience Member
Weve seen I guess less generic manufacturers enter post the exclusivity period, and this has been
something that the distributors have talked about as causing pricing to not come down sharply and
as rapidly. I guess that delays the benefit of generic for the PBM. Im wondering if you can speak
a little bit about the likelihood that that continues, and if you think that thats a secular shift
in some way that theyre lower to enter and the pricing potentially could be rising on some
generics.
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Yes, I think its a good question. We havent seen prices rising in generics to date. What weve
seen is, in individual instances where there is a supply disruption, where there ends up going from
3 to 1 or something we do those prices increase and we know price increases can be dramatic but
not big enough to swing the overall number. I think obviously the generic manufacturers have
businesses to run and theyre looking for ways to increase their profitability. I think theyre
going to continue to do that, so I think, if we do see fewer and fewer competitors come out from
each generic, then indeed generic prices will start to rise. Its one of the potential concerns as
we look forward to the business, but we arent seeing it today and we dont really expect to see it
in the future. At the end of the day, generics are, for the most part, a commodity business and
there has been no shortage of people that want to get into the market.
Unidentified Audience Member
It seems that some suggest that the cost of doing business for the generic manufacturers has risen
a bit, so they are trying to be more selective and thats sort of a permanent structural change. Do
you agree with that?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
We have not seen it so far. I dont claim to be an expert on the generic manufacturing business.
Im a buyer in that business, and so I can only tell you what I see, which I have not seen price
increases so far.
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
7
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Sorry, just one more question. The House Judiciary Committee hearing next week on the merger, Im
just curious if David Snow and George Paz will be there to answer questions.
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
If theyre asked to be there, they will be there. We have not seen a formal announcement of who
wants to be there nor a formal request. So certainly if the Judiciary wants to see them, which I
assume they will, they will be there.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Could you talk a little bit about your share buyback activity? You announced an ASR just before the
Medco deal came together. If you can give us an update on kind of like what Express can do and
cannot do between now and when the deal closes and how that factors into kind of like your
guidance?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
So, yes, we have a very large ASR, which is being transacted and is being transacted as it
continues to run, so if there is one silver lining of the stock price decline, its that our
average cost of that ASR continues to decline. What that means is that, when the ASR does close
out, we will have additional shares [delivered] to us that we would expect some additional shares
to come out. 29 million shares came out when we announced the ASR. Upon the settlement to the
extent the price is below $59, more shares will come out as a result of that. Morgan Stanley is
doing that deal for us. Were very happy with the execution of Morgan Stanley [through] that deal as
an unpaid advertisement.
The for ongoing ASRs or other buyback, we have an open window to do more buyback between now and
the closing of the to do any buyback you have an open window. I would say honestly its probably
pretty unlikely that were going to have an open window between now and the closing of Medco just
with the FTC and Medco and everything else going on. So, its pretty unlikely that well do any
buybacks before the Medco close. If for some reason it doesnt close, obviously we probably would
do large buybacks.
Then post the close, really the focus is going to be on retiring the debt as quickly as possible to
get down to our one to two times EBITDA range. Once we get there, I think buybacks are back on the
table and we would expect to continue buying the stock at prices where we think its attractive,
which would be a whole lot higher than it is today.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
So Jeff, you talked about a couple of headwinds in second half in the form of utilization and in
the buybacks. Can you talk a little bit about the tailwinds that are factored into guidance and how
theyre progressing (multiple speakers)?
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
A couple things we are counting on for the second half. Originally, there were a bunch of
efficiency projects that we had going. Those would be headwinds. I would tell you that the work on
those has slowed down a little bit because the focus has really changed to being Medco as a primary
focus.
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
8
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
The other obvious headwind is how Lipitor comes out and how the (inaudible) comes out. So if
Lipitor comes out as expected on November 30 and the discounts are deep, thats going to be a good
headwind. Its mostly factored in at this point. (multiple speakers) tailwind, sorry. Ive been
answering questions all day. That would obviously be a tailwind.
The other side of that is if it comes out not deeply discounted, it could end up being a headwind
for us in the back half of the year. Other than that, theres not a lot of excitement between now
and when we close Medco.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
So talking about a time line, if you can give us what are kind of like the things that we should
be looking for between now and December 31, whether its kind of like the quarter results,
guidance,Walgreens, (inaudible) things for (multiple speakers)
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
Probably the next big event from us would be quarterly earnings. Even if we look at quarterly
earnings at the end of October, early November I dont think weve officially set a date yet
but that would be our classic time to do it. Thats probably the biggest event [when] we come out
with the quarter and related items. Walgreens tried to handicap if something is going to happen or
not. As I said earlier, we would love to talk to them. And were waiting for that to happen. Short
of that, I dont expect any news on Medco or FTC certainly to come before December 31. As I said,
theres a lot going on but unfortunately probably not a lot of news, not a lot of announcements
from us until Medco really closes. So were kind of in this working really hard on integration and
trying to make sure that weve got all the right I should say working on integration planning. To
the extent, our goal is to have everything really well planned out so that, on the day it gets
approved and we close, we can hit the ground running and really doing the blocking and tackling of
integration to get to that synergy as quickly as possible and hopefully beat the synergy number,
obviously.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
Just one final (inaudible) when you think about the synergy number, you factor in (inaudible)
existing business in that $1 billion of synergy number, or youve already kind of like
Jeff hall - Express Scripts Inc. EVP, CFO
When we did the modeling, we had a feel for the business that was transitioning away from Medco. So
those numbers are kind of in our core assumptions. So we think about synergy. Theres growth synergy
which comes from a lot of different places. Then we bring that number down a little bit for
forecasting client losses around that because as a result of transitioning, therell be some
clients that decide they dont want to be a client during the transition. There will be some that
say (inaudible) we just dont like Express Scripts and were going to move away. So we expect some
client losses; we factored that into our synergy. We dont think thats a material amount but we
factored some in for good measure.
Ricky Goldwasser - Morgan Stanley Analyst
We ran out of time. So thank you very much Jeff (multiple speakers)
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or
redistribution of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or
similar means, is prohibited without the prior written consent of
Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson Reuters logo
are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated
companies.
|
|
|
9
FINAL TRANSCRIPT
Sep. 14. 2011 / 3:30PM, ESRX Express Scripts Inc at Morgan Stanley Global Healthcare
Conference
DISCLAIMER
Thomson Reuters reserves the right to make changes to documents, content, or other information
on this web site without obligation to notify any person of such changes.
In the conference calls upon which Event Transcripts are based, companies may make projections or
other forward-looking statements regarding a variety of items. Such forward-looking statements are
based upon current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ
materially from those stated in any forward-looking statement based on a number of important
factors and risks, which are more specifically identified in the companies most recent SEC
filings. Although the companies may indicate and believe that the assumptions underlying the
forward-looking statements are reasonable, any of the assumptions could prove inaccurate or
incorrect and, therefore, there can be no assurance that the results contemplated in the
forward-looking statements will be realized.
THE INFORMATION CONTAINED IN EVENT TRANSCRIPTS IS A TEXTUAL REPRESENTATION OF THE APPLICABLE
COMPANYS CONFERENCE CALL AND WHILE EFFORTS ARE MADE TO PROVIDE AN ACCURATE TRANSCRIPTION,THERE MAY
BE MATERIAL ERRORS, OMISSIONS, OR INACCURACIES IN THE REPORTING OF THE SUBSTANCE OF THE CONFERENCE
CALLS. IN NO WAY DOES THOMSON REUTERS OR THE APPLICABLE COMPANY ASSUME ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR ANY
INVESTMENT OR OTHER DECISIONS MADE BASED UPON THE INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEB SITE OR IN ANY
EVENT TRANSCRIPT. USERS ARE ADVISED TO REVIEW THE APPLICABLE COMPANYS CONFERENCE CALL ITSELF AND
THE APPLICABLE COMPANYS SEC FILINGS BEFORE MAKING ANY INVESTMENT OR OTHER DECISIONS.
©2011,Thomson Reuters. All Rights Reserved.
|
|
|
THOMSON REUTERS STREETEVENTS | www.streetevents.com | Contact Us
©2011 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution
of Thomson Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is prohibited
without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters. Thomson Reuters and the Thomson
Reuters logo are registered trademarks of Thomson Reuters and its affiliated companies.
|
|
|
10
* * *
FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This material may include forward-looking statements, both with respect to us and our industry,
that reflect our current views with respect to future events and financial performance. Statements
that include the words expect, intend, plan, believe, project, anticipate, will,
may, would and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature may be used to identify
forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements address matters that involve risks and
uncertainties, many of which are beyond our control. Accordingly, there are or will be important
factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in such
statements and, therefore, you should not place undue reliance on any such statements. We believe
that these factors include, but are not limited to, the following:
STANDARD OPERATING FACTORS
|
§ |
|
Our ability to remain profitable in a very competitive marketplace is dependent upon our
ability to attract and retain clients while maintaining our margins, to differentiate our
products and services from others in the marketplace, and to develop and cross sell new
products and services to our existing clients; |
|
|
§ |
|
Our failure to anticipate and appropriately adapt to changes in the rapidly changing
health care industry; |
|
|
§ |
|
Changes in applicable laws or regulations, or their interpretation or enforcement, or
the enactment of new laws or regulations, which apply to our business practices (past,
present or future) or require us to spend significant resources in order to comply; |
|
|
§ |
|
Changes to the healthcare industry designed to manage healthcare costs or alter
healthcare financing practices; |
|
|
§ |
|
Changes relating to our participation in Medicare Part D, the loss of Medicare Part D
eligible members, or our failure to otherwise execute on our strategies related to Medicare
Part D; |
|
§ |
|
A failure in the security or stability of our technology infrastructure, or the
infrastructure of one or more of our key vendors, or a significant failure or disruption in
service within our operations or the operations of such vendors; |
|
|
§ |
|
Our failure to effectively execute on strategic transactions, or to integrate or achieve
anticipated benefits from any acquired businesses; |
|
|
§ |
|
The termination, or an unfavorable modification, of our relationship with one or more
key pharmacy providers, or significant changes within the pharmacy provider marketplace; |
|
|
§ |
|
The termination, or an unfavorable modification, of our relationship with one or more
key pharmaceutical manufacturers, or the significant reduction in payments made or
discounts provided by pharmaceutical manufacturers; |
|
|
§ |
|
Changes in industry pricing benchmarks; |
|
|
§ |
|
Results in pending and future litigation or other proceedings which would subject us to
significant monetary damages or penalties and/or require us to change our business
practices, or the costs incurred in connection with such proceedings; |
|
|
§ |
|
Our failure to execute on, or other issues arising under, certain key client contracts; |
|
|
§ |
|
The impact of our debt service obligations on the availability of funds for other
business purposes, and the terms and our required compliance with covenants relating to our
indebtedness; our failure to attract and retain talented employees, or to manage succession
and retention for our Chief Executive Officer or other key executives; |
TRANSACTION-RELATED FACTORS
|
§ |
|
Uncertainty as to whether Express Scripts, Inc. (Express Scripts) will be able to
consummate the mergers with Medco Health Solutions, Inc. (Medco) on the terms set forth in
the merger agreement; |
|
|
§ |
|
The ability to obtain governmental approvals of the mergers; |
|
|
§ |
|
Uncertainty as to the market value of Express Scripts merger consideration to be paid
and the stock component of the Medco merger consideration; |
|
|
§ |
|
Failure to realize the anticipated benefits of the mergers, including as a result of a
delay in completing the mergers or a delay or difficulty in integrating the businesses of
Express Scripts and Medco; |
|
|
§ |
|
Uncertainty as to the long-term value of Express Scripts Holding Company (currently
known as Aristotle Holding, Inc.) common shares; |
|
|
§ |
|
Limitation on the ability of Express Scripts and Express Scripts Holding Company to
incur new debt in connection with the transaction; |
|
|
§ |
|
The expected amount and timing of cost savings and operating synergies; and |
|
|
§ |
|
Failure to receive the approval of the stockholders of either Express Scripts or Medco
for the mergers. |
The foregoing review of important factors should not be construed as exhaustive and should be read
in conjunction with the other cautionary statements that are included herein and elsewhere,
including the risk factors included in Express Scripts most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form
10-Q and the risk factors included in Medcos most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q and
other documents of Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company and Medco on file with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Any forward-looking statements made in this material
are qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements, and there can
be no assurance that the actual results or developments anticipated by us will be realized or, even
if substantially realized, that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, us or
our business or operations. Except to the extent required by applicable law, we undertake no
obligation to update publicly or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new
information, future developments or otherwise.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND WHERE TO FIND IT
This communication is not a solicitation of a proxy from any stockholder of Express Scripts, Medco
or Express Scripts Holding Company. In connection with the Agreement and Plan of Merger among
Medco, Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company, Plato Merger Sub Inc. and Aristotle Merger
Sub, Inc. (the Merger), Medco, Express Scripts and Express Scripts Holding Company, intend to
file relevant materials with the SEC, including a Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed by
Express Scripts Holding Company that will contain a joint proxy statement/prospectus. INVESTORS
AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THESE MATERIALS WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL
CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT MEDCO, EXPRESS SCRIPTS, EXPRESS SCRIPTS HOLDING COMPANY AND THE
MERGER. The Form S-4, including the joint proxy statement/prospectus, and other relevant materials
(when they become available), and any other documents filed by Express Scripts, Express Scripts
Holding Company or Medco with the SEC, may be obtained free of charge at the SECs web site at
www.sec.gov. In addition, investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the documents
filed with the SEC by directing a written request to:
Mackenzie Partners, Inc.
105 Madison Avenue
New York, New York 10016
This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any
securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer,
solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the
securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offering of securities shall be made except by means
of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
PARTICIPANTS IN THE SOLICITATION
Express Scripts, Express Scripts Holding Company and Medco and their respective executive officers
and directors may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the security
holders of either Express Scripts and Medco in connection with the Merger. Information about
Express Scripts directors and executive officers is available in Express Scripts definitive proxy
statement, dated March 21, 2011, for its 2011 annual general meeting of stockholders. Information
about Medcos directors and executive officers is available in Medcos definitive proxy statement,
dated April 8, 2011, for its 2011 annual general meeting of stockholders. Other information
regarding the participants and description of their direct and indirect interests, by security
holdings or otherwise, will be contained in the Form S-4 and the joint proxy
statement/prospectus regarding the Merger that Express Scripts Holding Company will file with the
SEC when it becomes available.